The New Russo-Turkish Pipeline: A New Chance for Nabucco West?

CCEE Policy Brief Series, No. 11, December 2014
Caspian Center for Energy and Environment (CCEE) of ADA University

Ugur Ertas *

Over the past decade, economic and political developments in Eurasia have affected energy dynamics in both expected and unexpected ways. Following the Russia-Ukraine gas disputes in 2006 and 2009, concerns about Gazprom’s domination in the European gas market have continued with competition between Nabucco and South Stream pipeline projects in the last few years.

But following the selection of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) to transport Shah Deniz 2 gas to Europe in 2013, the Nabucco pipeline project has fallen by the wayside. This failure is due to a combination of prevailing geopolitical and economic factors. Meanwhile, the announcement by President Putin during his recent visit to Turkey regarding the termination of South Stream Pipeline and the new pipeline plan via Turkey marks another key development. This is the consequence of the political antagonism between Russia and the West/Ukraine. In particular, Russia’s recent U-turn and its standing in international public opinion clearly indicates the major strategic importance of energy.

* Mr. Ugur Ertas is an affiliated researcher at Rethink Turkey Institute in Stockholm. His research interests include Eurasian Studies and Energy Security.

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